phaser meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

phaser

noun

US /ˈfeɪzɚ/

Etymology * (science fiction): For the fictional weapon coined for Star Trek: originally a "ph(oton ma)ser," later changed canonically to a "phas(ed)-e(nergy) r(ectifier)" (of "nadions", not photons). * (phase modulation): phase + -er

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Music An electronic device that produces special effects on the sound produced by an electric guitar etc.

Literature, Media, Publishing, Science fiction Fictional energy weapon, with multiple settings for degree of intensity, from the television series Star Trek (1966–69).

Captain James Kirk: "Set your phaser on one quarter. I'll leave mine on stun."1966 September 8, George Clayton Johnson, The Man Trap (Star Trek), season 1, episode 1:
His oddly reserved nature stands out [...]. Whyte sets his phaser on stun, not kill.1995 July, THIS magazine, page 21:

3 more examples

A Bajoran rushed past with an armful of phaser rifles, another with a box of hand phasers.1999, Dafydd ab Hugh, chapter 3, in Fallen Heroes [Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; 5], New York, N.Y.: Pocket Books:
Giolitti's Gold Key art is widely admired, [...] and this is a terrific opportunity to pick up a page—set your phasers on bid.2004, Hertiage Signature Auction #811, page 185:
I said, "Set phasers on be-a-bastard."2009, Meg Gardiner, China Lake, →ISBN:

A phase modulator

Alternative Alternative form of PHASR.

Derived terms: multiphaser, polyphaser, set phasers to
Related terms: beam cannon, beam weapon, blaster, blaster cannon, blaster gun, blaster pistol, blaster rifle, death ray, death ray projector, disintegrator, laser, laser cannon, laser gun, laser pistol, laser rifle, laser weapon, particle cannon, particle gun, particle rifle, particle weapon, ray gun

phaser

verb

Literature, Media, Publishing, Science fiction To shoot with a phaser weapon.

Synonyms: phase